South Africa defeats Rwanda to secure 2026 World Cup qualification
South Africa triumphed over Rwanda with a 3-0 victory in Mbombela on Tuesday, clinching the top spot in Group C and earning a place in the 2026 World Cup.
Goals from Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis came in the first half, while Evidence Makgopa added the final touch midway through the second half to confirm the win.
South Africa finished at the summit with 18 points, edging out Nigeria by one point, as the Super Eagles crushed third-placed Benin 4-0 in Uyo, where Victor Osimhen notched a hat-trick.
Nigeria remains in contention for the World Cup through the four highest-ranked African runners-up, who will participate in a playoff event in Morocco this November.
The playoff format features single-leg semi-finals and a final, with the victor advancing to an intercontinental tournament in March, offering two World Cup slots.
This marks South Africas fourth entry into the prestigious event, following participations in 1998 and 2002, plus an automatic berth in 2010 as hosts.
Hugo Broos, the Belgium-born coach, expressed delight, having represented his nation as a player in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and aiming to lead a team there before retirement.
We all knew that we could do it, we believed in ourselves. We are going to the World Cup and it is fantastic, said the 73-year-old.
In the last three years we changed players and every time it was the right choice. What happened tonight is the work of three years and the future looks very bright for South African football.
We have the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco during December and then the World Cup. There are no words to express how I feel.
Winger Appollis earned man of the match honours for his goal and assists, helping South Africa rediscover their scoring form after a goalless draw against Zimbabwe last Friday.
Amazing feeling
What an amazing feeling for the group going to the World Cup. I am so happy for the boys, he shared with journalists.
I know we had a draw in our last game, but I knew that we would come here to Mbombela tonight and win.
Qualifying brought immense relief to South Africa, who had squandered a five-point advantage with four matches left, slipping to a two-point deficit behind Benin before the final round.
Points were lost in home stalemates against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and three points were deducted for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in a win over Lesotho.
South Africa required a victory against Rwanda combined with a Nigeria win over Benin, and both outcomes materialised as the home sides surged ahead early.
Nigeria struck first via Osimhen in under three minutes, while Mbatha opened the scoring for South Africa after just five minutes.
Appollis swift strike mid-way through the first half gave South Africa dominance, leaving Rwanda largely defensive for the remainder.
Makgopa, summoned as a replacement for the injured Iqraam Rayners, nodded in a corner on 72 minutes to round off the scoreline.
Osimhen added another before the break and sealed his treble six minutes into the second half, with Frank Onyeka capping the demolition in stoppage time.
South Africa joins seven other African nations qualified for the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
They accompany Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia, with the last two direct spots to be determined later on Tuesday.
Group frontrunners Ivory Coast and Senegal must win their home fixtures against Kenya and Mauritania to secure qualification.